pilot

From the people who brought you every “I have an abnormal approach to crime solving” show who also saw Now You See Me and Now You See Me 2 comes a new show about a disgraced magician who helps the FBI solve the very abundant magic-related cases.

Let’s get one thing straight, Mindy Kaling is an amazing, relatable goddess that I will never (for the foreseeable future) find fault with because she is the best and deserves to always succeed. Now that I’ve firmly declared my bias, let’s get to the review.

Holy failure. This show is interesting but has no hope. Let me tell you why.

The good:

Some of the character (Valentine in particular) have amazing potential. If this show was called Stealing Pretty Things and Hitting On Hot Men with Valentine then maybe it could survive.

Sometimes the dark material is strikingly honest.

The bad:

Unfortunately, when I’m not bored by the stereotype of the breaking stereotypes female cop and distracted by the Allstate guy pretending he isn’t selling me car insurance I have to deal with a funny actor proving that just because a character is dynamic and controversial does not mean that that character should have an entire TV show.

With all the character potential the show is still pretty boring and doesn’t create plots that allow the audience to engage with them.

Ladies and gents, I am pleased to inform you that I have a new half hour show to enjoy and moan about if it gets cancelled.

The good:

This show is well written and since it is based on a book we can laugh at another person’s culture and family issues without feeling like terrible people. The humor is delivered beautifully and the writing is trim in a way that still allows for exploration and social commentary without being heavy, serious, preachy, or boring.

The adults are doing a good job in their roles and the mother in particular is legit as all get out.

The bad:

There is no way the show can have a long run life and keep its light, self-deprecating tone.

The child actors are pretty bad. I mean, sure they are children, but there is no need for them to all be squinting instead of emoting and repeating instead of speaking.

Verdict: Give the show a chance. We’ll see how it evolves and grows into itself.

I did not expect much and have been pleasantly surprised. I have an above average positive reaction to episode 1 of this show. The actors work well together and seem fairly talented.

The main couple is delightful. The main supporting cast is diverse and full of potential. There are some trumped up stereotypes, of course, but at least they feel fresh.

I identify with the main female. She is skeptical of love and weary of emotionally driven men. I also identify with the leading man because he and I share a few ridiculous quirks.

The writing is also enjoyable. They pull from a broad frame of reference. Episode 1 contains the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon and Teen Titan jokes.

I don’t know how long this show will be on, there are only 26 letters and we had a romantic kiss already in episode 1, but I am willing to sign on. If you want a show that feels easy and doesn’t promise a complicated web of lovers you might like it.

Heads up though folks, the narrator tells us how long the couple will date. The initial assumption I made was that the relationship ends. But this show has kind of a feel good vibe to it so my money is going to be on them getting married.